"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day." by Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote is particularly meaningful to me. I have the diagnosis of depression and some days can be such a struggle. This quote reminds me that THERE IS HOPE! Hope is one of the most powerful tools to use to fight against depression. I like to use narrative therapy to help manage depression. Depression is something that acts on me. It is a part of me every day. However, the more I get to know my own depression, the less power it has over me. Depression is a liar who is constantly trying to steal my joy. I've decided that depression is something that I have, it's not who I am.
In our time together we will look at your specific symptoms of depression. We will explore what seems to make them worse as well as what seems to offer some relief. We will learn about the body and what is happen internally when we are experiencing depression. The goal is full symptom resolution. In order to achieve that, we will have to work hard together. We will get know all parts of your depression so you will be able to catch the first signs of a pending depressive episode and how to fight against it.
I do believe that medication can be helpful in learning to manage depression. I am comfortable working with your primary care physician or psychiatrist to coordinate excellent care for you. However, I will not "force" you to add this to your depression management plan. Your body is YOUR body- you make the choices about your body. There are lots of cognitive therapy options, nutrition and exercise support, as well as spiritual practices we can explore.